Thailand's King marries his 'bodyguard' and makes her Queen days before coronation

By Hathai Techakitteranun

UpdatedMay 2, 2019 — 12.22pmfirst published at 1.51am

Bangkok: King Maha Vajiralongkorn's new wife, Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayutthaya, has been named Thailand's Queen effective from Wednesday, three days ahead of his coronation.

The announcement was made in the Royal Gazette, which said the King has legally married Suthida, but did not specify the date of their marriage.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn (left) sits with Queen Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayutthaya in a photo released on Wednesday.Credit:Bureau of the Royal Household

Suthida, who is believed to be 40, has long been rumoured to be romantically linked with Vajiralongkorn, 66, since he was the crown prince, but their relationship was not made public until now.

Suthida is Vajiralongkorn's fourth wife. He has five sons and two daughters from his previous marriages.

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Although Suthida has been in the public eye for about three years, there has been little official information released about her and the news was a surprise to many Thais. She is reported to have previously worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways International. The two reportedly met on a flight.

Suthida joined the palace guard in 2013 and became commander of the King's security unit, essentially his bodyguards, currently holding a general's rank. She also has several top royal decorations.

Suthida Tidjai on duty as commander of the King's bodyguards in Bangkok earlier this month. Credit:Rungroj Yongrit

Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne when his late father, Bhumibol Adulyadej, died in 2016 after seven decades on the throne. His much-delayed coronation is due to be held on Saturday.

Thai television, which broadcast the royal order on Wednesday evening, showed a video of Suthida prostrating herself before the King, to whom she, according to the announcer, presented a tray of flowers and incense, and in return was bestowed traditional gifts associated with royal power.

It also showed the King in a white uniform and his bride in a pink silk traditional dress formally registering their marriage on Wednesday in his palace residence in the capital, Bangkok.

It showed what the television announcer said was the couple signing a marriage certificate book, which was also signed by the King's sister, Princess Sirindhorn, and Privy Council head Prem Tinsulanonda as witnesses. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and other senior officials were also in attendance.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn presents a gift to Queen Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya at Ampornsan Throne Hall in Bangkok.Credit:Bureau of the Royal Household

Vajiralongkorn is the world's richest monarch according to business news website Business Insider, having last year taken full ownership of the Crown Property Bureau, which is estimated to have at least $US42.6 billion worth of holdings.